The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic historical, action packed romance. This author has such a way of telling history but making it interesting and enthralls you from the very beginning. This whole series just takes you back to a different day and age. You continue to fall in love with the characters.
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soo, I picked this book mainly because I was in the mood for a historical fiction book, the fact it was also a romance was an added bonus. I definitely was not expecting just how much I was going to enjoy the Earl of Griffith. This book was short, amazingly sweet, and packed a massive punch in those pages. I was sad at first but once I got into the meat of the story I was sucked in. The care, sweetness, and love that Conway showed Helen, and Maeve, and how Helen had to heal, and overcome her fears was so well done through this novel that I didn’t want to stop reading. I laughed when Griffith is courting Helen through his letters but keeping his friend Gideon on his toes by having fun with Maeve all the while. This book really included it all. If your looking for a sweet, clean, stand alone romance, that includes some historical fiction elements this is a really good one to try!
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the storytelling and characters in this book. I wish there had been a bit more clarity on the forest and it’s blight and the baron’s role in protecting his people from it, as I felt like it was vague until toward the end. I suppose that may have been on purpose to create more mystery, but it just caused me confusion. The baron and baroness have such a tender relationship, it was definitely the star of the storyline. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and would recommend it to those who are looking for a good vs evil plot.
Lap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting plot and not something I have read before. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it as a past airline employee, but it was a wonderful read. It was a heartwarming read about forgiveness and healing after a tragedy. The story is told by three women who survive the plane crash that occurred 20 years earlier. Julie was the flight attendant and takes on and fights for changes as she lives with guilt. Marie was a mother with a child and Julie was a surviving child of the plane crash. Julie keeps in contact with the survivors as they all work through the trauma. I was pulled into the story and had to keep reading about the characters to find out what would happen, how they would cope, and how they can move on. This was a roller coaster of emotions and I enjoyed the ride!
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reading about the horrible treatment of the Native Americans is a painful reminder of the history of our country. Experiencing it through Talks Like Thunder’s eyes is heartbreaking. The Strength she finds within herself is a testament to the resilience of her people even today. I look forward to reading the next book and hearing where the story goes from here.
Reviewed by @daree222
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Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal days is something else. I don’t know what it is about bully/enemies romances that just give for me but it is so dang good! A third in the series but definitely no third place for Brutal days. The angst and chemistry will have you baited, hook, line and sinker. I couldn’t get enough nor could I put down and what a complex whirlwind my emotions went through! The characters are so well thought out and planned to perfection. I can’t wait to read other books from the series because this one was a showstopper.
Ghosts of Alda by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ghosts of Alda is a fantasy book, the second in the Obscured Throne Trilogy. It’s worth reading the series in order, so start with Ashes of Aldyr then come to this book.
This is a post-apocalyptic story set in a fantasy world, where the connection between beings, magic and nature exacerbates the impact of ecological disaster. The book moves between different characters’ stories, showing how different individuals have been affected and are trying to move forwards after the Rupture. It’s dark at times, but there is plenty of optimism running through.
I particularly enjoyed the mysteries surrounding the Fifth Sect of magic. This had me intrigued early on and it was great fun piecing together more information as I encountered different characters’ perspectives!
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of high fantasy looking for something big to get your teeth into.
Bound by the Hinterlands by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cressida’s life hasn’t been anything grand or special. Her mother passed away, so it’s just been her and her sickly father, who’s super controlling and not very affectionate. He abusive and mean, but he’s all she has so she care for him. Knowing his death is coming soon, she’s been trying to plan for life without him. Not blessed with beauty or any talents, she knows that life is going to be hard. Even with her father’s last name, a woman just doesn’t have the same rights as men do. She’ll be on her own and she’s twenty-five. She’ll have to be a maid, a cook, or something similar once he passes. It will be hard work and her life will be simple, but what else can she ask for? A small amount of freedom is really all she wants. Her father has other plans though. Calling in a debt from a Baron, her father arranges a marriage with Caravahl of the Hinterlands. With no say she accepts her fate, she’s married off, and she’s whisked right away to the Hinterlands. Stories of the land give children nightmares and now she must live there. Going from a small amount of freedom to a marriage and running a house was not where she saw her life heading. At all! But she starts to fall in love with the people and the land around her. Danger threatens it all though. There is a darkness to the Hinterland forest. The land is sinister and hard. It’s hard to work there and it’s even harder to live there. It’s cold. The forest is a poison. The area is just creepy! But it’s her new home and she plans to be a helpmate to her new husband and help when and where she can. As secrets threaten the land and all people in and around it, the last thing they need is a visit from last minute quests. Arriving right after their super quick marriage and their fast journey home, everyone is rushing around to prepare for their unexpected company. How do you prepare for a guest who likes to cause problems though? Purposely messing with people is just part of court. Infuriating her husband seems to be their goal, but as she spends more time with him she sees another side to Caravahl. He actually loves his country and people. He’s a man of honor. Will he risk it all to save her from the darkness? His kingdom, his life, and even his heart? Can he share the truth with her? Will she find her footing in this new life that was thrust upon her or will the weight of it all crush her heart and soul? Will she run in fear once she learns the truth? This book was very interesting. It took me a minute to get into it because I was having a very busy week, but once I did I didn’t want to put it down. I knew something was going to happen soon and I just had to know what!! I ended up enjoying it and the characters. Of course there are sad parts, tense parts, and funny parts but the story gets better and better as you read. I can’t wait to read some more from this author in the future!!
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved every book in this series!!! Buckeye Falls is one of those places you would love to live. I was so excited that this story follows Natalie and Anthony’s story. I felt this one hit really close to home with me. Marriage can be tough and even more so when both people work high demand jobs and you throw kids into the mix. I will admit in the previous books in this series I was not a fan of Anthony but now reading from his perspective that is completely changed. You get to read from his and Natalie’s side and I love that! I like seeing how both people feel about the different times in the story. This author also has such an easy writing style that it makes the book that much more enjoyable! You do not have to read them in order but I highly recommend it so you get the back story of the other characters and they are all pretty awesome. I have to say this one was my favorite out of the series! The only thing would change is to have more of Buckeye Falls!!!
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this in one sitting unable to complete any other tasks as it had my complete and undivided attention! This is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and didn’t feel lost at all. However, after reading this book I am absolutely picking up not only the rest of this series, but other books by this author as well. I am addicted to their storytelling capabilities. I felt like I took an emotional journey along with Helen and Conway, twisting and turning in a will they, won’t they read. Maeve is also a gleeful addition to the story as most children tend to be. I loved every scene she was in! If you enjoy romances on the cleaner side but still full of the raw emotions of a second attempt at love, please pick this one up. It’s a quick read and given the chance, it will sweep you off your feet!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh man it was good to back in Buckeye amongst friends and friends that have become family ❣️
Natalie , Anthony and their kids are no strangers to me and I must be honest I’ve wondered about their marriage because let’s call a spade a spade here , Anthony can be quite a douche at times and Natalie can be high maintenance and they put on a good show but we don’t always know what happens behind closed doors ……
Don’t get me wrong I know they love each other but sometimes life runs away and you loose each other and you need to find your back before you hit trouble . Anthony is the mayor as his dad before him was so he’s always busy , Natalie has her own events businesses which keeps her busy full time and then we have to adorable kids to add to the mix , it’s hectic and I so can identify and I think that’s what makes this book so rigid is that you can relate and sympathise with the characters
This was a beautiful story about redemption , love , friendship , reconciliation and that saying “ it takes a village to raise a child “ has now changed to “ it takes a village to reconcile “
Love my town and people of Buckeye 🥰
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal Days: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)
I knew going in that this was a cliffhanger which I don’t usually enjoy because I’m impatient and want to know how things end up now, but there is something about this series and characters that forced me to read each and every book in this series. I have to know that all of the guys get their happy endings.
I’m not going to give anything away but I may have gasped and growled outloud when I read the end. What a way to keep me hanging, thankfully I won’t have to wait too long for the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens with the giant mess it has become.
You don’t have to read the Prequel or the first two books in the series though I would highly recommend it.
The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Although this book is the third in its series, I took a chance to read it as a standalone and still loved it. I’m so glad I did because it led me to pick up the previous books as well since the author’s writing style is just magnificent. I don’t typically read this genre, so I was taken by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. The flow of the story, the incredible details, and the thrilling adventure of it all were fantastic! I also enjoy it when there are maps placed at the beginning as I am very visual, so a big bonus there with me. It did take me slightly longer than usual to find my groove with this book, but I still give it 5 stars because I blame that on my not reading the previous in the series first. I absolutely recommend picking this up if you are at all interested in historical adventures because this will be right up your alley! Even if that’s not your thing, like me, you may be pleasantly surprised with the story.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a good sweet book! It’s a little on the shorter side (at least compared to what I normally read) but it’s so good! The steady patience that Conway has for Helen is so sweet and pure! I couldn’t get enough of these two! It can be read as stand alone novel, and it’s absolutely worth the read! A very, very short and sweet romance. Give it a read!
Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been reading so many books that alternate between both main characters point of view, I thought I preferred that style of writing solely. Stalked by the Devil was narrated differently and I appreciated the way the storyline was written. There were a couple times I confused myself on which main character was who, but I think that was on me vs the writing itself. Overall, this was a well written book with strong characters, especially the women. There were twists and turns that really kept my interest from the very first bold line of the book. I have read this author in the past so I did have high expectations for this book. Thankfully, my expectations were met and I look forward to reading more from Stacy Deanne. I hadn’t realized how many books she has written, I better get to work…
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anthony and Natalie have found that their marriage is in a rut. Can they get the spark back before it is too late? This is a spectacular sequel where we get to see more of the characters we have come to know and love.
Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5)
By: Theresa Van Spankeren
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Soul Redeemed is the fifth installment of Theresa Van Spankeren’s War Of Destiny series and I am beyond loving all of it! Each book keeps getting better and more intriguing and I can never put any of them down! I highly suggest starting this series with her first book Lost Souls to join Julia at the start of her journey! I really enjoyed watching Julia really get to know herself and her powers in this book. Spankeren writes her character in such a relatable way and with such emotion you can’t help but feel everything Julia goes through. Soul Redeemed has such great world building (as always with Spankeren) with enough action and intensity to have my heart racing. I can’t wait for the next book and possibly the final battle with Valentino! Prepare for wonderfully unexpected twists and turns in this uniquely dark vampire fantasy series! You will not be disappointed!
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! While this is technically the third book the series, it’s also the start of new character POVs and could be read a standalone. I would definitely recommend reading the previous books though, because it does help give some background and they were just phenomenal as well. I really enjoyed getting to see more of Damon and dive into his life. He was an interesting character to me in the previous books so I very much enjoyed getting to see this side of him. I absolutely can not wait to read the next book in this series!
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Falling Again is the third book in the Buckeye Falls series. This can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous books. I didn’t know what to expect because I didn’t read the blurb before starting the story. I figured it would be a meet-again story, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it about a married couple who needed to reconnect in their love. Like the other books in the series, there are a variety of characters in the small town who come together to help those they care about in town. I enjoyed the character Natalie in the previous books but was unsure how I felt about her husband, Mayor Anthony Snyder. Getting to know them better gave me a new respect for those who overcame a rough patch in their marriage. If you enjoy a HEA, this is a fun read to grab. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Falling Again
By: Libby Kay
I have really loved the Buckeye Falls Series. There is something about this small town that I particularly love. It may be because it is a town in Ohio, which is where I am from. However, I really feel that it is Libby Kay’s ability to write characters that are so endearing. These characters are complex who feel like people you actually know. This book does a fantastic job illustrating life. As an adult, we all know how life gets in the way. We all know how work, kids, family, expectations, adulting all those things can come before a relationship. But the question is what happens next? This book explores this question. This story of Anthony and Natalie is so wonderful. They are a couple that has had life get in the way, but they do truly love one another. This book is fantastic and I definitely recommend it! It is so very good and sweet.
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brutal Days
By: Isla Vaughn
This is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite that I have read. I have to say each one deals with dark themes and mature content. However, that does not stop this from being an absolutely amazing book. It must be noted that this is not a standalone.
This story features Damon and Sky. They have absolutely amazing banter between one another. The kind where the emotion is absolutely palpable. This story is told from dual points of view. I find that this type of story telling can be very hard to read if it is not done well. However, Isla Vaughn does dual point of view with excellence and I cannot imagine this story not being told from this point of view. Their dislike for each other absolutely jumps off the page but it is their obsession with each other that really drives the storyline. Especially the extra twist of Sky’s friend Gia. I am definitely looking forward to the next book to find out what happens between them. This is a definite book that sucks you in from the first page and doesn’t ever let you go!
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone
I LOVE this series, I could not recommend it more, Isla Vaughn has stolen my heart and given it to these guys.
This is book three in this series, not including a short prequel and this book focuses on Damon, the younger brother to Cole from the previous two books. Part of me was worried that this book would be more tame than the last two because it’s centered around Damon, but boy was I wrong.
Isla does a wonderful job building up the tense angsty situations and letting them explode, she creates fireworks between her main love interests while not making the book overly “romantic”.
This book in particular takes its main characters relationship to a different delicious level by making it a hidden relationship/forced/enemies to lovers, with a little bit of spice mixed in by having her pay Damon basically with her body to date her best friend and make her high-school dreams come true. Now… we all think know how this is going to end, but I did not expect the twist that popped up. Sky’s past coming back to haunt her and her inability to let go fully and put her trust in a man holds her back for a bit, but she blossoms and it’s beautiful.
All in all I really enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the continuation of where the last book left off, the follow through on the story, the depth to the characters and the hurt they’ve experienced, all quit enjoyable. Sprinkle in a little mystery and spice and you’ve got this wonderful book.
I’m pretty excited to see what the author does in the next installment of the series, and to get to know all of the main characters better.
Brutal Days, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Bully Romance, Jessica Stone, June 2023
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Libby has done it again. I absolutely adore this small town and this was really a redemption for Anthony in my opinion because in the previous books i did NOT like his character but wow am i so glad this turned out the way it did. I was so happy to see this was dual POV because getting inside Anythony’s head and learning his true feelings is really what made me open up to him. It was so sweet watching this couple fall back into love with each other. Such a heartwarming story and im so glad nothing super chaotic happened to keep them apart this was very normal and i appreciated that alot to see things that really do happen in relationships but then it all turning around and being okay in the end with a HEA was the best. And Alice really grew on me too. By the end i was rooting for her to figure things out. Love this series.
Someone to Watch Over Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great friends-to-lovers story!
Angelo and Lucia have grown up together since their mother’s are best friends, and Angelo is Lucia’s brother’s best friend. They continually fight their attraction to each other. They come in and out of each other’s lives over the next few years. But, when Lucia needs someone to run to when things get rough, she can only think of Angelo. Will he be there for her? Are those feelings they both have still be there?
I really enjoyed these characters and how much they grew up throughout the course of the book. Angelo wants to be the man that Lucia deserves…breaking both of their hearts in the process. However, their friendship continues to be strong enough to bring them back to each other time and time again. Even though thy move on, there is still something there. But, no matter what, they are always friends first. Their friendship is tested when she comes to him with news that could break him once and for all. To watch how they navigated this situation kept me on the edge of my seat.
I have enjoyed the other books in this series…and this one was no different. I could not put it down, from beginning to end. Once again, I was sucked into the world of the book and did not want to leave!
Trapping The Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book, set in the 1920’s, is very similar to the story of Rapunzel in my mind. Bethany is about to come of age in just a few days. She lives with her aunt and uncle after the untimely death of her parents. They decide as a family to travel to Hot Springs so that her aunt can experience some bathing treatments for ailments that she’s suffering.
Bethany is looking forward to being out from under the thumb of her aunt and uncle and she’s excited to spend her 18th birthday while on vacation. She’s tired of being told what to eat (and that’s when she’s allowed to), what to wear, how to act, etc.
She meets a man named Paul who warns her to avoid the 4th floor of the hotel she’s staying in because it’s inhabited by Al Capone. Paul is a detective trying to bring down the mobster. Bethany doesn’t take well to being told what to do and finds herself meeting Al Capone face to face.
This story is full of adventure, drama, and of finding oneself. I thoroughly enjoyed this rather short read and now look forward to reading the next story in this series.
The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jacek had not stepped foot onto the battlefield in many years but when the message comes from the Crown how will Jacek choose family or country? When Jacek must leave for war Lady Oliwia convinces her husband to allow her to come along. Leaving her children back at Biaska, Lady Oliwia must worry about her husband’s safe return and that of her children back at home. Riding into battle Jacek quickly realizes that they are outnumbered. Stepping outside my usual genre, I fell in love with this book from the first chapter. This book contains war, heroes, bad guys, and romance. This whole series is amazing.
Reviewed by @alape
Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Underneath the Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Underneath the Whiskey is about a successful business owner who is living a double life. Ben is the perfect husband and father, but he knows deep down this life isn’t for him. Although he is content, this lifestyle doesn’t make him feel whole. When Caden comes to Ben’s shop for an interview there is tension in the air, tension that Ben just can’t shake. Will Ben be able to be honest with his family and take back his life and happiness?
Underneath the Whiskey is a M/M romance. This was my first time reading a novel written by Lauren and I was extremely satisfied with this one. There have not been many M/M romances that really struck my fancy but this one had me hooked from the very beginning. Lauren introduces you to some very hard topics: abuse, mental health, and homosexuality. She discusses these topics with such hospitality. Her characters are extremely likable. The story line is believable and flows extremely well. The story is so detailed, I felt like I was on this journey with Ben, his family, and Caden. I will not hesitate to pick up another novel written by Lauren in the future. If you are looking for a fast paced, heart felt, action packed novel for the weekend, this one is highly recommended.
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This bully romance just does not miss. I have truly enjoyed each part of this series so far. This particular book revolves around Damon and Skylar. You can feel the emotions between them. The angst is wonderful. I truly enjoy bully romances and this is absolutely on the list of series I will be continuing.
Reviews by @michellerenee6590
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The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jacek is a man bound by duty to his country. He loves his wife and his children deeply, but the call of his country runs deeper. As he is once again called upon, he feels the same invigoration of going on campaign and readying for war. However, this time his wife has decided to accompany him part way. Her observations of what she sees happening falls on his loyal-blind eyes. After their first conflict, he finds scales falling from his eyes and finally sees what his wife observed. Is he too late to return to his family? Will this be his last campaign?
Being a military spouse, I feel like this book resonated with me on a deeper level than maybe a person not connected to the military. It gave me a different perspective on how my spouse perhaps looks at his duty to his country. I appreciated seeing Jacek battle with his feelings and finally seeing that his wife’s observations were truer than he wanted to see. On the other hand, I also liked seeing how his wife supported him despite his duty-bound heart. In truth, this was a timely read for me.
The Passion of 3 by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Passion of Three is a steamy MMF second chance romance that centers around the characters of Caro, Nash, and Greyson. The trio used to be in a band called Chaos years ago but went their separate ways when Caro mistakenly believed that Nash was cheating on her. Caro is now living in Kentucky and after a decade accidentally runs into Nash at The Kentucky Derby. They reconnect and rekindle their relationship but the third piece of their trio, Greyson, is missing. They set off on a mission to find him and put their relationship back together. The trio runs into a few difficulties and struggles but before long the trio’s relationship strengthens and the passion between them is both undeniable and unstoppable. The story was well written, and the characters of Caro, Nash, and Greyson were relatable and lovable. The chemistry between them was intense and I am certain my glasses fogged up while reading the steamy and spicy romps in the hay. This book had action, suspense, mystery, heartache, heartbreak, love lost, love regained, intense passion, romance, and even a kidnapping. I highly recommend!
